Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) against the Phoenix Suns in the first half at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Luka Doncic’s father, Sasa Doncic, is seemingly taking a patient approach to the Los Angeles Lakers‘ busy offseason. As he made it clear, he is not yet fully convinced that Rob Pelinka has built the right team around his son.
The Lakers made big changes this summer as they transition fully into the Luka Doncic era following LeBron James‘ departure to the Philadelphia 76ers. They added several new pieces, including Walker Kessler, Sandro Mamukelashvili, Quentin Grimes, Collin Sexton, Kevon Looney, Jaden Hardy, Matisse Thybulle and Ziaire Williams.
There is no question that Rob Pelinka has been aggressive. The bigger question is: have the Lakers actually improved enough to contend for a title?
Speaking in an interview with Mozzart Sport after the team’s summer minicamp in Slovenia, Sasa Doncic admitted he’s curious to see how they all come together.
“They were there, they had a crazy and unforgettable time, at least that’s what they say. I don’t know, time will tell how it will be. I can’t wait to see what happens. My focus is honestly on Ilirija, but of course I support the Lakers because of Luka and whether Rob Pelinka has built a good team, we’ll see.”
That “we’ll see” comment perfectly captures the uncertainty around the Lakers.
The Lakers have definitely gotten younger and more athletic. Kessler gives Doncic the type of defensive-minded big man and lob threat that should fit perfectly next to him. Grimes and Thybulle add perimeter defense, Sexton and Hardy provide additional shot creation, and Mamukelashvili gives the frontcourt more shooting and versatility.
Still, replacing LeBron is not a simple task.
Even late in his career, LeBron has remained one of the most productive players and one of the league’s best playmakers. Losing that level of production puts even more responsibility on Doncic and Austin Reaves, who have now become the unquestioned core of this team.
The Lakers have committed heavily to Reaves as well, making it clear the franchise sees Doncic and Reaves as the foundation for its next chapter.
Luka has already taken steps to build chemistry with his new teammates. The Lakers’ trip to Slovenia was designed to give players time away from the regular NBA environment, allowing the group to train, spend time together, and develop relationships before the season begins.
Sasa’s comment suggests the experience went quite well, but chemistry in the summer and winning in the regular season are two different things.
The Lakers did show promise last season during Doncic’s first full season in L.A., including an impressive stretch in March, but the season ultimately ended with questions still surrounding the roster’s overall ceiling.
That puts big pressure on Pelinka’s next moves.
The Lakers have certainly given Doncic a deeper and more balanced supporting cast on paper, but whether this translates to title contention is still unknown.
Sasa Doncic is not dismissing the roster, but he is not declaring Pelinka’s offseason a big success either.
For now, his message is simple: the Lakers have made the moves. Now they have to make sure they made the right ones.